A Soul's Retreat
7 guests
-
4 bedrooms, 5 beds
2 bathrooms
+1 extra toilet
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Do you have a question about this home or the local area?
Dartmoor National Park emcompasses all sorts of striking landscapes. From lush green fields to rolling rivers, this unspoiled scenery is a dream for hikers and nature-lovers alike. As it’s all about the great outdoors, you might not immediately think of this as a holistic, spa-like retreat destination. But this home can change your mind. Set within twenty-two acres of thick, private woodland which links through to Hembury Woods, this traditional farmhouse looks every bit the postcard you’d expect – a grey slate roof, cute chimney, and dry stone wall framing the front. Spend days exploring the great outdoors with a walk to the Holne Moor, a dip in the Holy Brook, or splash about in one of the River Dart's best swimming holes after a good walk. When you're ready for a bite, set down your picnic blanket and have a light feast atop one of the pasture's hills. Just an eight-minute drive from the nearest town of Buckfast, park the car, kick off your wellies and step into this woodland haven. Tuck into your welcome basket of local artisan goodies, then take some time to choose a treatment in this wellbeing haven – how about acupuncture, meditation, or Shiatsu massage?... Or if you fancy yourself as a herbalist, your host can take you wild foraging. After collecting delicate herbs and mushrooms, rustle up dinner on the range cooker below timber beams in the country kitchen. Light up the wood-burning stove and read the kids a bedtime story before heading up to soak the night away in your copper bathtub, a tumbler of whisky in hand.
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Ask the host anything
Do you have a question about this home or the local area?
What to expect
Highlights

Drive twenty minutes into the heart of Dartmoor National Park

Go foraging in the twenty-two acre private woodland surrounding your home

Savour the local goodies in the generous welcome hamper

Have your host arrange for a private massage or yoga practice in your home

Let the kids explore their dedicated play room

Soak your muscles in the copper tub after a long day of hiking

Light up the wood-burning stove for a cosy night in

Walk the dog down the woodland trails by your quaint, cottage home
Like what you see? Explore more of this home
Home truths
There's a narrow spiral staircase that you'll need to climb
There's no hairdryer and little to no phone signal
As this home allows for self check-in with a lockbox, you might not meet your host
Onsite parking is available for up to four cars (we recommend bringing a car to explore)
The dining table is suitable as a laptop-friendly workspace
One of the bedrooms is a twin room with two singles that can be turned into a king-sized bed
Your host provides a welcome hamper of local goods – this can be upgraded to include alcoholic beverages if you let them know in advance
Your host can provide a high chair, changing table, safety gates, children's tableware, and toys for the little ones
About this stay
Amenities
Laptop friendly workspace
Wi-fi
Pets allowed
Parking available
Washing machine
Dryer
Garden
Balcony
Bedrooms & bathrooms
4 bedrooms, 5 beds
2 bathrooms, 1 additional toilet
Extras
VIP services
Massage
Additional fees
Your host can help arrange holistic therapeutic services for an additional fee – this includes one-to-one yoga, various massage practices, herbalism, wild foraging, forest bathing, and acupuncture
Your host can provide burgers and steaks from their 100% grass-fed Dexter and Galloway herd – let them know what cuts you would like to purchase for an additional fee
Additional fees subject to a 3.5% handling charge.
Extras are subject to availability. Please enquire with your host.
Local guide
About South Devon
It would be easy to award much of Devon with this accolade, and indeed, 35% of the county is preserved as protected land. But the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is the county at its most quintessential. There’s stunning countryside characterised by asymmetric rolling fields, Devon’s typically rugged coastline, and five unique estuaries – lookout for the Salcombe–Kingsbridge Estuary, fed by a congregation of small streams. And there’s...
Explore the area
Local restaurants, cafes, museums, sites and activities, recommended by our community of hosts and travel experts

Enjoy outdoor adventures at River Dart Country Park
A family-friendly park with great playgrounds, bike tracks, a water play area and more. Don't miss the stunning lake too – perfect for a swim in the summer months.

Explore the tranquil Buckfast Abbey
Immerse yourself in history and wonder at this stunning place of worship. Walk around the grounds, admire the grandeur of the main abbey, and enjoy the beautiful gardens.

Explore the South Devon Railway
Step back in time and enjoy a lovely day out on this well-restored 19th-century steam railway. Take in the scenic views along the River Dart, visit the museum and model shop, and don't forget to stop by the tearoom for a cup of tea.

Experience the Fun at Pennywell Farm
A perfect day out for the whole family to enjoy hands-on activities like feeding, goat milking, and cuddling baby piglets. Get up close to well-looked-after animals and create lasting memories.

Plan a day out at the Buckfast Butterfly Farm and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary
Get up close and personal with beautiful butterflies, friendly otters, and resident terrapins. Enjoy interactive feeding sessions and knowledgeable staff. A wonderful day out for animal lovers.

Dine at The Rattery Church House Inn
A hidden gem with a cosy fire, delicious food, and exceptional local produce. The menu variety is outstanding, and the steaks are cooked to perfection. Highly recommended for a memorable dining experience.

Dine at Furzeleigh Mill
Enjoy a stunning location and cosy atmosphere at this 16th-century mill. Indulge in delicious food, sophisticated presentation, and friendly staff at the classic oak-beamed restaurant.

Dine at The Old Library
A delightful cafe/restaurant offering a range of tasty brunch options. Enjoy London artisan cuisine with a Devonshire town vibe. Perfect poached eggs, homemade beans, and flavorful club sandwich make it well worth a visit.
Get around
Airport
Plymouth City
38 min
Exeter
39 min
Cornwall Newquay
1 hr 35 min
Train station
Buckfastleigh
12 min
Bus stop
Garage (Stop B)
11 min
Local shops & services
Convenience store
10 min
Cafe
18 min
Pharmacy
10 min
Points of interest
Beach
Preston Sands
40 min
Booking policies
House Rules
Children welcome (1-12 years)
Infants welcome (under 12 months)
Pets welcome
No parties or events
No smoking
Good to know
Arrival from 16:00
Departure before 10:00
Wifi
No air con
Cancellation policy
Up until
5
days
Cancel at least 5 days before your check-in date for a full refund.
Not eligible for a refund once your check-in date is under 5 days away.
Host
This home is managed by Oliver
This home is managed directly by a business. A member of their staff will be your point of contact before and during your stay. Josh's team is always on hand to make sure your stay goes smoothly. Not only this, but they want to make it as special as possible. They know everything about what the region has to offer, so don't hesitate to ask any questions.
This home is nominated for the Plum Guide Award.
- Great hosts, not just great homes – We reject homes managed by hosts who don’t meet our standards of excellence.
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- Every home scrutinised by experts, they have to meet our standards.
- Hosts we knowHigh-quality hosting, with track records of high-quality hosting.
- Impeccably clean, well maintained homes.
- Peace of mind in the rare event your host cancels.
- Rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot, delivering exceptional service before, during and after your stay.